International

Philippine communist leader Jose Maria Sison ‘ready’ for talks

07/04/2018

Netherlands-based leader’s overture comes as Duterte labels rebels ‘terrorists’ following December’s deadly clashes.

by Ted Regencia
3 Apr. 2018

The exiled leader of the communist party of the Philippines declared that negotiators from the rebel group were ready to resume stalled peace talks with President Rodrigo Duterte’s government.

In a statement to Al Jazeera on Tuesday, Jose Maria Sison said it was the Duterte administration that is “showing hesitance, or even outright negative attitude” towards negotiations.

“If they are willing, then the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is also willing and ready to negotiate with them,” Sison said, referring to the political arm of the Filipino communist rebels.